MSC Group reported progress with its efforts to build a fleet of luxury cruise ships as the high-end sector of the cruise industry continues its rapid growth.
Fincantieri completed the float out of the third ship for MSC’s Explora Journeys, a luxury lifestyle brand, while construction is also proceeding on the fourth and fifth ships of a class, which will include six ships by 2028.
After having grown its contemporary brand, MSC Cruises, for the broad market, MSC turned its sights on the ultra-luxury cruise segment, placing the initial order in 2019 for the six ships, each to be approximately 63,900 gross tons.
The first ship, Explora I, entered service in 2023 to be followed by her sister ship, Explora II, in 2024.
The ships are all-suite and include a range of amenities, with five pools and six restaurants.
The concept was reportedly inspired by the family’s yacht cruising in the Mediterranean.
The construction contract was later revised to switch the primary fuel for the ships starting with Explora III to LNG.
The design of the ships was reportedly lengthened by approximately 62 feet for the next two ships to accommodate the new propulsion plant.
Steel for Explora III was cut in September 2023, and construction on Explora IV was scheduled to begin in January 2024.
The float out took place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente near Genova, Italy, on July 14. They followed the launch of Explora III with the coin ceremony to mark the beginning of assembly for Explora IV. Steel cutting also began for Explora V.
Delivery of Explora III is scheduled for the summer of 2026, followed by Explora IV in the summer of 2027.
